Indian Sports Federations to Adhere to New Anti-Doping Law

India’s Minister for sports and youth affairs, Ajay Maken, asserted that all sports federations, including the Indian cricket board (BCCI), will have to adhere to the new anti-doping law.

The Sports Ministry is planning to bring in a new law to tackle doping after a series of Indian athletes failed to clear their dope tests. 

Maken said: “We are going to the Cabinet in this regard and wish to bring a specific law on doping in the Monsoon Session of Parliament.”

Maken said in cases where laws of international sporting federations conflict with that of Wada then the laws of the former will be applicable. 

On the question of whether BCCI will be covered under the new law, the minister replied, “I am not talking about any one sport. This will be made applicable to all sports.”

The Sports Ministry is also trying to bring the BCCI under the proposed National Sports Development Bill in spite of the their resistance.

In the BCCI’s defence though, it must be said that unlike many other federations that can be said to be actively conniving in doping cover-ups, the Indian board has taken a refreshingly proactive position on the matter.

Meanwhile, listing out steps taken by the ministry in the wake of doping scandal, Maken said: “Whatever it is, now we have asked NIS, SAI and Nada to be more vigilant. I have asked Nada to carry on more surprise checks, increase the frequency and change the dope officers and I am hopeful of positive results.”

He also affirmed that raids will also be conducted more frequently and strict action will be taken against offenders.

Maken said: “We have already started conducting raids. Surprise checks were carried out on Saturday at NIS in Patiala and such raids are being conducted at Bangalore today. Such raids will be carried out more frequently and wherever dope material is found entering the premises, strict action will be taken.”

He added: “Already, strict action has been taken against seven officials and Justice Mukul Mudgal has been appointed to carry out a thorough probe. Strict action would taken. We will spare no one.”